Phyllis Logan continues in Switzerland at the Ambassadors Theatre

Wednesday, 24th Oct 2018

The Ambassadors Theatre finds itself back in the spotlight following recent revelations such as the closure of Foxfinder, the imminent arrival of The Twilight Zone and the recent announcement, and subsequent cancellation, of Eugenius.

Today’s news refers to a production that has wowed audiences at the Ustinov Studio of the Theatre Royal Bath early in 2018. Switzerland has been revealed as the latest to get a West End transfer as it takes up the Christmas/New Year season at the Ambassadors Theatre, with Lucy Bailey directing Phyllis Logan and Calum Findlay in the production, all returning from the Bath run.

Switzerland takes audiences to the mid 1990s and sees Phyllis Logan play the real-life author Patricia Highsmith as she retreats to her study in the Swiss Alps. After a long and prolific career that has seen her pen an array of well known books and plays, she relishes in the seclusion, but this is broken by the arrival of a New York publisher who wants her to return to her best known work. There’s a darkness to him, however; a darkness that hides a secret agenda.

Highsmith was a prolific author and playwright, responsible for writing the likes of Strangers On A Train and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Logan, in addition to playing Highsmith at the Theatre Royal Bath, has carved out an impressive career on the screen. Her credits range from high profile television shows like Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Silent Witness and Spooks to films like Secrets & Lies. She has also appeared on the stage in the likes of Marvin’s Room at the Hampstead Theatre.

The Ambassadors Theatre has been the home of Foxfinder since September, but that closes its doors early this month (it was originally due to run to January). It has many a show on the horizon, including the mentioned The Twilight Zone and the upcoming Songs for Nobodies in the New Year. The venue had been the home of Stomp since 2007, with the percussive musical attracting fans from all over the world.

It now welcomes Switzerland, with Joanna Murray-Smith’s play running from Monday 19th November 2018 (previews from Saturday 10th November 2018) to Saturday 5th January 2018.

Chris Packer

Chris Packer has been writing about the West End for many years and wishes this knowledge would help him win some pub quizzes. When he’s not writing about the newest shows he’s probably watching films or anticipating the latest releases.